White chocolate, chocolate orange and salted caramel among the trends shaping Christmas confectionery in 2026
Hames Chocolates has reported forward orders for Christmas chocolates at more than double last year’s, as the Lincolnshire-based chocolate manufacturer gears up for the festive season with its biggest-ever seasonal range.
With more than 20 years of chocolate manufacturing expertise, Hames is seeing strong demand for familiar favourites including chocolate orange and salted caramel, alongside growing popularity for cherry and matcha.
White chocolate is proving a particular standout, with Hames set to use 54% more white chocolate this year than last, reflecting increased demand for alternatives to traditional milk chocolate across gifting and seasonal treats.
Festive Flavours Drive Seasonal Demand
Carol Oldbury, CEO of Lincolnshire-based private label chocolatier Hames Chocolates, says: “Christmas is a key sales period for chocolate, when shoppers are looking for products that feel special and deliver on the sense of occasion. For retailers, a successful Christmas fixture gets the balance right – combining great quality chocolate with formats that work across different festive occasions, from an impulse treat or stocking filler through to sharing and gifting.”
Hames offers an extensive Christmas collection that matches fixture needs – spanning chocolate bars, truffles, lollipops, sharing bags, hot chocolate stirrers and gift boxes, made at its Lincolnshire factory using premium, sustainably sourced cocoa.
Pouches Lead Christmas Product Mix
Pouches are expected to perform particularly well this Christmas, with highlights including Milk Chocolate Santa Shapes and Chocolate Orange Slices. Other seasonal lines include White Chocolate Snowman Lollipops, Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Truffles and Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Stirrers.
Oldbury adds: “Forward orders being more than double last year’s gives us a very positive indication of demand heading into Christmas. Our manufacturing and category expertise gives us the flexibility to help customers develop products that respond to changing tastes while delivering on the quality s
